Safford brings together champagne, strawberries and a concert pianist for unforgettable Valentine’s fundraiser

Life Rafter and GIST survivor David Safford is hosting a benefit concert on Valentine’s Day to raise funds and awareness for the LRG’s research project Pathway to a Cure. After being diagnosed with GIST, Dave quickly sought out information about his cancer leading him to the LRG. Shortly thereafter, he became intrigued with the LRG’s research, was invited to join the board of directors and eagerly accepted.

With the help of renowned concert pianist Anthony Padilla and friends at Columbia Basin College Foundation, Dave plans to entertain guests with an evening of musical splendor. “Dave is a personal friend of mine and I am so happy to support the work of the Life Raft Group and I’m very excited to help raise money to find a cure for GIST,” said Padilla.

Anthony Padilla, recognized internationally as a pianist of remarkable sensitivity, refined interpretation, and dazzling technique, made his debut with the Seattle Symphony at the age of sixteen. Mr. Padilla has been performing extensively ever since, as guest artist with orchestras and at concert series throughout the world. Some of his performance highlights include New York’s Merkin Concert Hall, the La Jolla Chamber Music Society, the Ravinia Festival, Chautauqua, Schleswig-Holstein, Holzhausen, Victoria, Sarasota, Cascade, the Bay View and San Luis Obispo Mozart Festivals, and solo and collaborative appearances throughout the United States, Germany, Italy, and China.

The event will be held at the Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash. on Monday, February 14th, 2011 beginning with a Champagne and Strawberry Reception in Esvelt Gallery at 7:00pm following by the concert in the Theatre beginning at 8:00 pm.

Individual tickets will be available for $50 and there are sponsorship opportunities available. For additional information about the event or tickets, please contact: Nancy Adams, 509-542-4721 or nadams@columbiabasin.edu.

The Life Raft Group is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization (tax id: 82-0547746) providing support through information, education, and innovative research to patients with a rare cancer called GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor). View our 990 Form here

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International Patients

GIST knows no boundaries.
The Life Raft Group focuses on several key pillars. One of those pillars is “to increase access to effective treatments worldwide.” We aid patients from the United Kingdom to India and Kenya, helping wherever GIST patients are in need. Our patient registry staff interacts with global patients daily. The LRG Patient Registry has members from 63 countries, with country liaisons from 61 countries.
We present at international symposiums on GIST, support global advocacy issues, and work to establish alliances and collaborations. We want to ensure that GIST patients across the world have access to the best possible treatment.